Description
This Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze is a festive and elegant main dish featuring a whole Atlantic salmon baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy pomegranate-orange glaze. Ideal for holiday dinners, the salmon is seasoned simply, simmered with a vibrant glaze, and garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds, orange slices, parsley, and green onions for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 2 lbs. whole Atlantic salmon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pomegranate Glaze
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Garnish
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the whole Atlantic salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season the salmon evenly with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
- Make Pomegranate Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, fresh squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens to a syrup-like consistency, which will become a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze Salmon: Once the pomegranate glaze has thickened, brush a generous layer over the top of the seasoned salmon to infuse it with a sweet and citrusy flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Place the glazed salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 30-38 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C), indicating it is safely cooked and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the baked salmon to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds, vibrant orange slices, chopped fresh parsley, and thinly sliced green onions to add color, freshness, and extra flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Use a food thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
- For extra crisp skin, you can broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have fresh pomegranate seeds, you can substitute with fresh cranberries for a tart garnish.
- This recipe works well with other firm fish like steelhead trout or arctic char.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas salmon, pomegranate glaze, holiday salmon recipe, baked salmon, festive salmon, Atlantic salmon recipe
